MUFON of Ohio Newsletter - 2005 Q1 Spring

Magazine Overview

This document is the Spring 2005 issue of the MUFON of Ohio Newsletter, a publication dedicated to UFO phenomena, research, and related topics. It features a variety of articles, reports, and announcements relevant to the ufology community.

Message from the Director

William E. Jones, Director of MUFON of Ohio, opens the newsletter with reflections on the changing landscape of ufological publications in Ohio. He notes the cessation of the Roundtown UFO Society Newsletter and discusses the potential discontinuation of the Ohio UFO Notebook, with plans to expand the main newsletter to compensate. He wishes RUFOS success with their website.

Donnie Blessing Scheduled for May 28 Meeting

An announcement details an upcoming MUFON of Ohio meeting on Saturday, May 28, 2005, at the Whetstone Library in Columbus. The featured speaker will be Donnie Blessing, whose presentation is titled "Are Alien Abductions a Real Phenomena?" The event includes a setup at noon, officer remarks at 1:00 PM, and the presentation. Contact information for Jennifer Thomas is provided for more details.

Kenny Young (1966-2005) Dies at Age 38

Ron Schaffner writes a heartfelt obituary for Kenny Young, a veteran UFO and Unusual Phenomena Researcher. Schaffner recounts meeting Young in 1994 and highlights his detailed and objective reporting style, mentioning his work on cases like the Lebanon Correctional Facility UFO case and the Clermont County video case. Young was instrumental in the formation and public relations for groups like Advocates for Scientific Knowledge and Tri-State Advocates for Scientific Knowledge. He was active during the 1996-1997 southern Ohio UFO flap and conducted research on various cases, including the Norwood, Ohio searchlight case. Young also assisted with FOIA requests and worked with law enforcement on UFO and Bigfoot reports. He was known for his interest in conspiracy theories and his work with Natural Light productions on the "UFO LIVE UPDATE" programs. His website has been secured as "The Kenny Young Archives."

Critic's Corner: The Alien Files: The Secrets of Extraterrestrial Encounters and Abductions

Scott J. Santa reviews Gregory Van Dyk's book "The Alien Files." Santa finds the book's initial half to be good introductory material on the abduction experience, appreciating its touch of spirituality and its critique of mainstream science's limitations. However, he criticizes the latter half for covering "old" cases without adding new value and for its uncritical acceptance of channeling. Santa concludes that the book does not offer new revelations and cannot recommend it, especially for veteran readers.

Phyllis Budinger Presents “UFOs: A Search for Physical Evidence, Abductions"

Phyllis Budinger, an analytic chemist, is announced to speak at the 2005 Denver MUFON Symposium. Her talk will focus on the analysis of samples from two high-profile abduction cases: Betty and Barney Hill (1961) and a recent case involving Stan Romanek. She will discuss the importance of analytical science in examining physical traces related to UFO phenomena. Other notable speakers at the symposium include Edgar Mitchell and Stanton T. Friedman.

George Pindroh Investigates the George Ritter Case

George Pindroh, MUFON State Section Director, has begun investigating George Ritter of Fostoria, Ohio, known for photographing UFOs on VHS cameras. Ritter has appeared on various radio programs and attracted international attention. Pindroh, along with other investigators, visited Ritter and viewed his extensive video collection, noting objects racing across the screen at high speeds. A digital camera was used alongside Ritter's VHS camera, capturing similar anomalous objects. Pindroh suggests further investigation with more sophisticated equipment is warranted.

Strange Phenomena in Mar del Plata, Argentina

This report details strange events in Mar del Plata, Argentina, in early February 2005. Residents reported unusual nervousness in animals, followed by sightings of yellowish lights. Two circular marks, approximately 5 meters in diameter, appeared in a field, characterized by grayish ash and a greasy black residue. The marks are distinguished from "fairy rings" and are considered evidence of a potential UFO event. The report notes Mar del Plata's history of UFO cases and suggests a possible intensification of UFO activity in the region.

The U.S.S. Maury Geodesic Ship – 1957

William E. Jones recounts a sighting by a crew member aboard the U.S.S. Maury survey ship in the South Atlantic in 1957. A large glowing object was observed hovering over the ocean, which did not register on radar. The ship changed course to investigate, but the object maintained its distance before disappearing. Westinghouse civilian scientists were aboard and witnessed the event, and the object was logged as an "unidentified object."

1970 Ohio Landing And “Creature” Case

Rick Hilberg details a case from August 24, 1970, in Olmsted Falls, Ohio. Witnesses reported seeing two figures in glowing orange suits approaching them. Later, a large bubble-like object was seen descending, and two figures entered it before it ascended and disappeared. A disturbed area of high grass was found nearby, with two fresh paths leading to it.

About Donnie Blessing

This section provides background on Donnie Blessing, Southern Ohio Section Director for MUFON and Director of SOAAR. It mentions his work with hypnotherapist Peggy Gorsuch in investigating alien abductions, often revealing "screen memories" from childhood.

Filer's Files #11 – 2005, Skywatch Investigations

George A. Filer reports on an Army Colonel Jess Marcel Jr.'s experiences in Iraq, including flying surveillance drones and dealing with mortar barrages. He also mentions the daily mortar barrages on the camp declining and the replacement of his Humvee with an armored version. The section also notes that Jess Marcel Sr. is known for picking up pieces of a UFO from Roswell.

Items needed for UFO Sale Table

An announcement requests items for a UFO Sale Table at an upcoming meeting on May 18, with proceeds benefiting MUFON of Ohio.

Phyllis Budinger speaking at Cleveland Ufology Project meeting

Phyllis Budinger is scheduled to speak at the Cleveland Ufology Project meeting on April 16, 2005, discussing her talk "UFOs, A Search for Physical Evidence: Chemical Analysis of Traces from Two Abductions."

The Frosty Factor in Ufology

William E. Jones uses an analogy of his cat Frosty chasing a flashlight beam to illustrate the difficulty humans have in understanding UFOs. He suggests that humans, like cats, may lack the necessary "brain-power" to fully comprehend the phenomenon, comparing it to trying to understand a crashed flashlight without the knowledge to repair it.

Other Ohio UFO Groups

Information is provided on other UFO organizations in Ohio, including the Roundtown UFO Society (RUFOS), the Cleveland Ufology Project (CUP), and the Tri-County UFO Study Group, with website and contact details.

Ohio Big Foot Conference in May

An announcement for the 17th Annual Big Foot Conference on May 7th, 2005, at Salt Fork State Park.

Iranian UFOs?

This article discusses reports of UFOs seen in Iran in late December 2004, which were later identified by Iranian air force commanders as likely U.S. spy drones. The article notes that U.S. Defense Department officials denied knowledge of such flights, while acknowledging U.S. military operations along the Iraq-Iran border. The possibility of drones or UFOs remains open.

Noted Authors Report Opinions on ABC Special

This section compiles opinions from various authors and UFO investigators regarding the ABC special "Seeing is Believing" presented by Peter Jennings. Many expressed disappointment, criticizing the show's handling of topics like Roswell and abduction phenomena, and suggesting it was biased or poorly executed. Authors like Whitley Strieber and Richard Dolan voiced strong criticisms of the program's content and its portrayal of UFO research.

Map of Whetstone Park Area

A map is provided showing the location of Whetstone Park at 3903 N. High Street, Columbus, Ohio, with directions from nearby highways.

Death of Earl D. Jones

Ron Schaffner reports the death of Earl D. Jones, a former UFO and Bigfoot investigator. Jones was a Vietnam veteran who contributed to UFO investigations in the late 1970s and early 1980s, particularly in the Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia regions. He was instrumental in investigating several high-profile cases.

From the Website of Donnie Blessing

A UFO sighting report from Barbara C. of Bethel, Ohio, dated December 16, 2004. She described a white pyramid-shaped object with flashing lights, which slowly rose and moved out of view. The object was estimated to be very large.

Brazilian Air Force admits investigation about UFOs

This article discusses the "chupa-chupa" phenomenon in the Brazilian state of Pará during 1977-1978, where bright objects flying at low altitudes fired light beams, causing physical harm to people. Despite a 2,000-page military report, the phenomenon remains a mystery. A petition is being circulated to require the Brazilian president to open the UFO secret files. The article details accounts of victims and a farmer's encounter with a creature. It also mentions a carpenter who shot at a UFO and was subsequently affected by a light beam, and fishermen who observed UFOs diving into the Marajó bay.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and the broader field of ufology. There is a strong emphasis on documenting cases, sharing research findings, and critiquing media portrayals of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, while also maintaining a critical perspective on unsubstantiated claims and media sensationalism. The passing of prominent researchers like Kenny Young and Earl D. Jones is noted with respect, highlighting their contributions to the field. The newsletter also serves as a platform for MUFON of Ohio's activities and announcements.